An Illinois Attorney for All of Your Business’ Firearms Licensing Needs

Do not let red tape get in the way of turning your dream into a success

The system of regulations that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) uses to regulate gun owners and dealers can be frustrating and onerous, especially for entrepreneurs trying to plan their own import/export business, gun shop, gunsmith or firearms training facility. A federal firearms license is required for each and every physical location at which a business is to operate, separate from any Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) or Class 3 gun permit you already have. Different licenses are required for those who want to import or export firearms, and licenses also vary based on your customers. Any successors to your business are required to have a federal firearms license, and any change of location or business will need different filings with the ATF.

How do I apply for a federal firearms license for a business in Illinois?

A federal firearms license is required for businesses in Illinois that wish to deal in or work with guns, such as firearms importers or exporters, gun dealers or training facility operators. This is not the same as an FOID program card, issued by the state of Illinois. A federal firearms license is required for any kind of business — sole proprietorship, LLC or corporation — that wishes to deal in firearms. To be approved, an applicant must show he or she:

Is 21 years of age or older

Is not prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition

Has not willfully violated the Gun Control Act or its regulations

Has not willfully failed to disclose material information or willfully made false statements concerning material facts in connection with his application

Has premises for conducting business or collecting

The applicant must also certify that:

The business to be conducted under the license is not prohibited by state or local law in the place where the licensed premises is located

Within 30 days after the application is approved, the business will comply with the requirements of state and local laws applicable to the conduct of the business

The business will not be conducted under the license until the requirements of state and local law applicable to the business have been met

The applicant has sent or delivered a form to the chief law enforcement officer where the premises is located notifying the officer that the applicant intends to apply for a license

Secure gun storage or safety devices will be available at any place in which firearms are sold under the license to persons who are not licensees

What is a Class 3 gun license?

A Class 3 gun license is available only to businesses that allow a dealer with a federal firearms license to purchase certain weapons that are otherwise prohibited under the 1934 National Firearms Act, including machine guns and silencers. This license also carries a special tax, so it is important to discuss licensing with an attorney well versed in gun law consulting to determine whether a Class 3 license is right for your business.

Contact the Law Offices of Kenneth L. Block for a free initial consultation about firearms licensing for your business

Do not be discouraged by confusing state and federal licensing requirements. The Law Offices of Kenneth L. Block help Illinois businesses in Cook, Kane and Du Page counties navigate the requirements and paperwork in an efficient and economical manner. Call the firm at 312.600.4032 or online to schedule an appointment today. Evening and weekend times are available. The firm is conveniently located near Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Attorney Advertising. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.[ Site Map ] [ Bookmark Us ]